I have been compiling a register of Malvern Star serial numbers for many years, and have a fair bit of information on various bikes and models, and their serial numbers. The numeric sequence from about 1930 to 1940 makes more and more sense. The more numbers I get, the more accurate I can be with placing the bike in a particular year.

The serial numbers from 1941 to 1959 are easy to date, as they have the year in the prefix.

The early bikes, pre about 1929, are very scarce. I only have 5 bikes thought to be before 1929, out of over 150 serial numbers recorded.

So, if anyone out there thinks they have a pre 1930 Malvern Star, please let me know the serial number! If in doubt, let me know the number anyway, and I may be able to tell you how old it is.

Pre 1930 numbers will be 4 or 5 digits. So anything prior to a '17000', number is interesting. Any 4 digit numbers are VERY interesting.

G,Day Bicyclepassion, Just the person who might be able to help me, I have bikes that I would like to know their age. Here goes 2 Star 20767 on Right Rear Fork 2 Star 55m over 755 Left Rear Fork 5 Star Track 9 S 179 Left Rear ForkHope you can help me. Thanks. Bob.

G'day Warren,The frame no on my oldest Malvern Star is 27426, stamped around the rear edge of the r/h rear dropout (forward facing).My best (uninformed) guess is this is a bike from the mid-late 30's? it shows signs of having an integral chain oiler on the r/h rear seat stay but the fittings have been filed off and brass filled.CheersRichard

Richard, the frame number would make it 1933 or 34, but if it had a chainstay oiler that would make it a bit later. Is the first digit definitely a '2' ? Are they 27" or 28" wheels? Did it come with that size wheel? Warren

bicyclepassion wrote:Richard, the frame number would make it 1933 or 34, but if it had a chainstay oiler that would make it a bit later. Is the first digit definitely a '2' ? Are they 27" or 28" wheels? Did it come with that size wheel? Warren

Thank you Warren, that is very interesting. The frame no definitely starts with a '2' . I feel it would be better to cast doubt upon my interpretation of the patches of brass on the rear r/h seat stays being from a removed oiler. It was the only thing that I could think of that would have caused there to be two oddly shaped patches of brass in those two places on the chain stay but maybe they are dent repairs? (the bike has seen a hard life I would say).The bike came to me as a re-painted frame and headset, all the components you see are things I have fitted from my collection of bits and pieces. It has a pair of VEW hubbed 27" wheels in the photo but It would fit 28" wheels easily. If you think it should have had 28" wheels I will have to look out for a set. Would they be Westwood or Endrick rims at this point in time.One thing I can say is neither the front nor the rear brake drillings are original. Both have been done by an amateur at some point in the bike's life. It has keyhole slot front dropouts if that helps at all?CheersRichard

I've just bought a Malvern star with a serial number that says BSA A83Also on the seat tube I think it says 151 92 (with a M or a AA above the second 1 and there also appears to be a small 5 above the first 1)

Hi Paul welcome to the bug that is vintage bicycles when you get 10 postings, then you can put pics up. One of the moderators or fellow members might be able to instruct (I would but I've forgotten ) - anywho, look forward to seeing pictures of your MS. Include a good shot of the serial numbers, that will help us help you

It is interesting to read this thread, Im just starting to research my Great Uncle who I've just found out, sprint raced Malvern Stars in the 20's, 30's and 40's here and oversea's. I believe one of his bikes still survives but havent seen it as yet. If it isnt a Malvern Star it will be a Carbine as he rode them later in his career. If I can get a look at the bike I will take some detailed pics.

Pauls bike mentioned above with 5M over 15192 will be 1945. Paul, I have been sent a pic of your bike through the grapevine, so you will get a reply elswhere as well. Your frame is the same as one in my collection, which is 5M 11120, with the number on the seat lug, like yours.

Hi Warren, I stumbled upon your conversation the other day and hope you may be able to tell me about a couple of two-stars I've recently purchased.1. Frame number 15474, 28' westwood wheels, sturmey hub, Phillips rod brakes,Italian cranks, 'roadstar' decal on top bar.2. Frame number 9M8087 , 27' westwood wheels, racer type handle bar and coaster brake. Dave

bicyclepassion wrote:So, if anyone out there thinks they have a pre 1930 Malvern Star, please let me know the serial number! If in doubt, let me know the number anyway, and I may be able to tell you how old it is.

G'day Warren,I've got a 5star track bike,, was wondering what year it may be?, Serial is 23610 stamped into the right rear drop out.Thank youKeith

Dave64, your number 15474 : The only time Malvern Star used rod brakes was during WW2, but did not use Roadstar name on top bar until much later. The number does not conform to normal sequence, but is a similiar number to another wartime bike I have details of. Post some pics, or PM me to discuss.Number 9M 8087 is 1949, made in Melbourne. Are you sure this has 27" westwood? (not endrick?) There is such a thing as 27" westwood, but not common, specially in 1949.Warren

Keith, Oldpedlar, 5 Star frame number 23610: The known Malvern Star frame numbers start in the 1920's, and end at the end of 1959.Your 5 Star Track bike is of the numeric series that commenced in 1960. I dont have enough numbers to make sense of these numbers yet, but the more I get, the more sense they will make. I can tell you that I have a 5 star track bike in my own collection, with metallic blue original paint and decals, that I have estimated at 1961. It could be later, but I think it is 1961 to 1965.I would need to see photos of your bike with wheels in it, and details of wheelbase, tyre clearances, lugs, fork crown, and back and front dropout dimensions, to give a more accurate opinion.Keep the numbers coming.Warren

Thank-you Warren,From following this thread I think I need to contribute ten times before submitting photos. My challenge will be to get chatty about old pushies! Having no idea of what an Endrick rim was I 'google images' them. To the best of my ability they are indeed westwood pattern and 27". This all started by a desire to get a bike that resembled 'PowerBand'- an ugly old white brush painted bike with 28" wheels. When our flash 10 speed racers were U/S as teen-agers we would turn to PowerBand, She would plow across any racer crunching terrain with a dignity I've only fully appreciated many years later. I hope she continues to offer sombody steadfast service. When I decided to start riding again a quick look around some bike shops convinced me they had nothing I wanted to ride. The search was on and here I am, knowing Endriks from Westwoods. The racer is currently getting fixed up by the Grafton Wizzard of old bikes (He thinks the 28"er is not all origional). I will photograph them both then. Are there any particular details I need to photograph closely?Regards, Dave

Hey Warren,I've just picked up a 2 Star Malvern Star, underneath the seat the number seems to read 6M 30857.Would you be able to help in identifying the year of this bike. All help is appreciated.Cheers,Adam

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